your supose to say it compares fine you own one lol. and just because it has revers  don't mean it will be a  xc bike the  z400 and kfx 400 both have reverse. they are just  addin a creature comfort  for slackers like me. even when the mags tested the  ltr 450 they said it lacked  in power but made up in  handling 
Yeah just another selection to make you think harder for your purchase...but thats good. Ive also heard that it lacks in power, but idk, i havent riden one.  Good point with the reverse, raptor 700 has it and I use alll the time.  Thats a smart move.  And the aluminum chasis, thats would be great, alot light i would think